Newcastle CDP

[Dave]

Has anyone heard or of this CDP? If so, any good? Here's the specs:

A distinguishing feature of the CD-980T single disc player is Burr Brown's PCM1702-K Colinear 20-bit D to A Converter, considered by many to be the "King of Parts" for its performance-enhancing abilities. Combined with its many other features, the CD-980T creates an exceptional listening experience that will challenge your previously held notions of how great good sound should sound

Key Features
• Single CD Player
• PCM1702-K 20-Bit Colinear Dual DAC's
• Pitch Control
• 8x Oversampling
• 3-Beam Laser Pick-up
• DTS Ready
• Coaxial Digital Output
• Optical Digital Output
• Line Level Volume Control
• Programmable Memory (20)
• Music Calendar (19)
• Random Play (1/All)
• Repeat Mode (1/Disc/All)
• Intro Scan (Via Remote)
• Delete Play (Via Remote)
• Direct Access
• CD Syncro Record
• Track/Disc Peak Search
• Tape Edit/Length Adjustment
• Elapsed/Remaining Time Button
• Headphone Output Jack
• Headphone Volume Control
• Multi-function Fluorescent Display
• Display Off/Dimmer
• Remote Control
• Digi-Link III
• Gold Plated RCA Jacks

[aashton]

I've never heard it myself Dave, but I believe they are by Sherwood and there a range of items in the Newcastle series http://www.sherwoodusa.com/newcastle/cd_cd.htm

over here they were sold by Richer Sounds but that model doesn't appear to be stocked by them.

All the best - Andrew

[Wired]

That is great cd player. Sherwood equipment is always great value for money. I think the newcastle series has some of the manufacturing done by hand.

[Gary]

So is Newcastle the "audiophile arm" of Sherwood?

[Dave]

Don't you guys just love those web-sites that give you everything, but the price,:(

[aashton]

Originally posted by Dave
Don't you guys just love those web-sites that give you everything, but the price,:(

Suggested list is US$549.95 goodness knows what the street price is

http://www.sherwoodusa.com/corp/nc_pr2.htm

All the best - Andrew

[Dave]

I believe that I saw it for $850.00 Canadian. Too much at todays dollar value.;) The Burr-Brown DAC's are what caught my attention.

[Gary]

I know the Burr-Brown DACs sound nice in my HK CDP.

I'm sure they will sound great for redbook in the Newcastle, too.

Do they have anything to do with SACD playback?

[stereo71]

Dave,

I have one of these; mine is identical except for
the finish (black). It is okay as a player, but
since I started using the Sony CE-775 for SACD and
redbook, the Sherwood is gathering dust. As I recall,
opening it up revealed nothing special, other than the
BB dacs; the rest is rather pedestrian.

Feature-wise, it has direct as well as variable
output (analog) and both coaxial and optical digital
out. There is even a pitch control (accessible via
remote only) that is rather coarse in its adjustment.

To me it sounded fine, but the CE-775 beats it.

--Roger

[Gary]

I'm starting to get a warmer and fuzzier feeling about my 775!

I really should do an A/B with my HK sometime soon.

[Dave]

Originally posted by Gary
I'm starting to get a warmer and fuzzier feeling about my 775!

I really should do an A/B with my HK sometime soon.
Please do Gary as I'm interested to hear your results. Just wish I could afford a 777ES SACDP like Steves.